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PM stresses security, but holds firm on Afghan withdrawal

Progress on the world’s economic woes “risks being undone” if the world’s pressing security and development issues are not addressed with equal vigour, Stephen Harper said Tuesday at the opening of a G8 foreign ministers meeting.

GATINEAU, QUE.— Progress on the world’s economic woes “risks being undone” if the world’s pressing security and development issues are not addressed with equal vigour, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday at the opening of a G8 foreign ministers meeting.

“War and terrorism, piracy and failed states, international organized crime, poverty and underdevelopment: these are all enemies of the informed objectives we share, not only to ensure prosperity, but to build a better world,” Harper said.

He said Monday’s subway bombing that killed 39 commuters in Moscow is “an unwelcome reminder of how terrorism threatens us all and of the importance of our efforts as G8 partners.”

Harper cited Iran and North Korea, in particular, as “countries whose actions contravene their international obligations.”

“Both use violence and intimidation to deprive their own citizens of fundamental rights,” he said. “Both are serious threats to global security.”

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He urged North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks — aimed at curbing its nuclear program — “without preconditions.”

“And we urge a heightened focus, and stronger co-ordinated action, including sanctions if necessary, on the Iranian regime. Tehran must halt its nuclear activities and engage in peaceful dialogue.”

There is much at stake, the prime minister said.

“If nuclear proliferation leads to the use of nuclear weapons, whether by states or non-state actors, then no matter where the bombs are set off, the catastrophe will be felt around the world.”

He also lauded the G8 countries for their efforts in Afghanistan and Haiti, and he urged the Afghan government to assume more responsibility for its own security and provide basic services and good governance.

“We at this table must continue to provide support, while ensuring the Afghan government lives up to its commitments.”

Those urgings came after Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said there is no need for any further debate on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan.

Cannon said prior to the meeting that’s because there simply won’t be any combat role for Canadian troops after 2011, thus no need to bring the matter before Parliament again.

The issue did not come up during a brief photo opportunity prior to a meeting between Harper and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The tone appeared cordial as the two shook hands a day after Clinton criticized Canada for excluding aboriginal groups and some Arctic countries from Monday’s meeting of polar coastal states.

The Opposition called for a parliamentary debate after Clinton said her country would like to see Canadian troops stay in Afghanistan past the 2011 withdrawal date set by Parliament.

Clinton suggested Canada might want to consider leaving some troops behind to help train Afghan forces. But Cannon maintained that there will be no extension of the military mission beyond next year’s Parliament-approved withdrawal date.

In his address, Harper called Haiti “an example of the important work that awaits the G8 in the area of development.”

“While relief efforts in Haiti continue, our focus must continue to shift to long-term reconstruction. We have a genuine opportunity to rebuild Haiti as a new and better country.”

Only briefly did he mention the maternal health initiative Harper has made his primary focus at June’s meeting of G8 leaders in Muskoka, Ont., north of Toronto.

“If the G8 is to remain credible, accountability is absolutely necessary,” he said. “Member nations must keep their commitments on economic pledges, on development and on security actions.

“Let me say that again: if the world’s richest and most powerful nations do not deal with the world’s hardest and most intractable problems, they simply will not be dealt with.”

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